ABHA is a digital health account number; the Ayushman card relates to the PM-JAY health cover scheme. Here is how they differ and which one you may need.
Two different things with similar names
ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) is a 14-digit health account number under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. It lets you link and share your own health records. Creating one is voluntary and does not depend on income.
The Ayushman card relates to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY), a scheme that provides hospital cover to eligible families. Having an ABHA number does not make you eligible for PM-JAY, and the reverse is also true.
Which card do you need?
If you want a single identifier for your own health records, you are looking for ABHA. If you want to check eligibility for the hospital cover scheme or use its beneficiary card, you are looking for PM-JAY. Cover limits and eligibility rules are set by the scheme and can change, so confirm them on the official portal.
Printing either one
Each card is issued digitally. If you already hold the file for either, you can order a durable PVC copy for your own use. A print does not change your account, eligibility or records.
Common questions
Do I need both? They serve different purposes. ABHA is for your own health records; the Ayushman card relates to a hospital cover scheme for eligible families.
Is ABHA mandatory? Creating an ABHA is voluntary under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
Can I print either? You can order a PVC copy of a file you hold, for your own use. It does not change your account or eligibility.
About this guide
Prepared by GiftKida and last updated on 27 October 2026. This is general information, not medical or insurance advice. For eligibility or cover questions, use the official portals above.
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